Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted that it was important for his City side to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa despite already possessing a wealth of attacking talent.
The England international became the Premier League’s most expensive player in August, arriving from Aston Villa for a fee of £100million, as City smashed their transfer record despite having the likes of Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden in the wide and attacking midfield roles.
Guardiola, who led City to their third Premier League title in just four years last season, insisted that signing top-quality players is necessary to keep things fresh for a successful side.
Jack Grealish joined Manchester City from Aston Villa in the summer. | PHOTO: Courtesy |
“[We signed Grealish because of his] quality in the final third,” Guardiola spoke ahead of City’s Champions League clash with Club Brugge on Tuesday night. “He is able to attract opponents and find his teammates.
“We have many players but we added another one because we have a lot of games in many competitions. He is at a perfect age and when you are on top in those competitions, the squad must be removed a little but otherwise, it is difficult.
“Everyone has to feel the pressure from the new ones, and the new ones have to understand what the club has done. All the big clubs do it.”
Guardiola feels Grealish has performed well since his arrival, adapting to the new challenge of playing regular European football alongside domestic competitions.
Since his arrival at City, the 26-year-old has managed two goals and two assists from 10 appearances across all competitions.
Additionally, the playmaker leads his team for chances created (22) and has the second-highest dribble success rate of any player to have attempted at least 20 (53.13 percent).
“We spoke about [playing in Europe] and how he has to live when he is not here, in terms of eating, resting and sleeping,” Guardiola continued.
Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola was speaking ahead of Man City’s Champions League clash with Club Brugge. | PHOTO: Courtesy |
“What he has done so far is excellent. Apart from [against] Burnley, he has played every game at a good level and I’m sure he will improve. As a manager, you have to know the best position, but he has played very well.
“He is focused on and off the pitch and he is strong, his weight and body fat is perfect and he is mentally is in the right position. It is the first time he plays every three days. We play every three days for 11 months and it’s difficult but it is a good challenge for him.”
Guardiola praised City’s upcoming opponents for their quality in attack and revealed that Brazilian pair Ederson and Gabriel Jesus are both in contention to feature after flying straight to Belgium after the international break.
“We see the protocols, Ederson and Jesus couldn’t land in England unless they isolate for 10 days,” Guardiola added. “We will join them in the hotel and [on Tuesday] they will do preparation, maybe play, maybe not.
“I’m sure they will feel good because they recovered really well, they will train there, and we will see tonight how they feel.
“What we have seen [from Club Brugge] is physicality and they know what they have to do. They have a lot of quality up front. We go there, we have four games left and 12 points to fight for to qualify for the last 16.
“This is the target, and our mentality will be the same. We want to make them adjust and control the game with how we play.”
Guardiola’s side is currently sitting third in Group A of the Champions League after recording one win and a loss to PSG before the commencement of the international break. Club Brugge on their side is yet to lose a match, drawing with group leaders PSG and defeating RB Leipzig.
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